Second chance: Aston Villa have held talks with former caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald (Image: Getty)

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Aston Villa may turn back to long serving reserve coach and players’ favourite Kevin MacDonald after Ole Gunnar Solksjaer yesterday ruled himself out from becoming their next boss.

The 39-year-old former Manchester United striker, announced he plans to honour the two years left on his contract with Norwegian club Molde.

He said: “I have an ambition to be a manager in the Premier League, but I’m not seeking a new job. In football, and in life in general, things turn up that you have to make decisions about. I have a contract for two more years and I’ll stand by that.”

His decision is a blow for Villa who were impressed with Solksjaer when he flew to Birmingham in Villa owner Randy Lerner’s private jet for talks about replacing Alex McLeish.

Not Gunnar come: Solksjaer has decided to stay in charge of Norway club Molde (Image: Getty)

MacDonald, 51, who bossed the club as caretaker two years ago after Martin O’Neill walked out, spent more than two hours being interviewed by chief executive Paul Faulkner this week.

He has worked with the first team on match days this season and is popular with the players. Striker Gabby Agbonlahor said: “Just look at the number of players he has helped bring through – I can only speak for myself but I think Kevin will turn out to be a good manager given the chance.”

Lerner and Faulkner are working their way through a preliminary shortlist that also includes Wigan’s Roberto Martinez, and are aiming to make an appointment by next weekend.